More than 70 supporters of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people chalked a rainbow, representing tolerance, on the pavement of Junction Court.

After speeches from Wollongong community activist Paola Harvey, Greens Senate candidate Amanda Findley and Labor candidate Neil Reilly, the crowd marched on Liberal candidate Ann Sudmalis’s campaign office chanting for same sex rights.

Mrs Sudmalis was campaigning elsewhere in the electorate but earlier in the day during a candidates’ debate on Nowra radio station 2ST said she did not believe marriage equality was a priority.

“For goodness sake, this electorate does not want marriage equality. And where on earth did that become a priority issue in this seat where we’re looking at infrastructure and unemployment? Those are the issues that count in this seat,” she said.

Mr Reilly said he supported marriage equality.

“If people love each other they should be able to recognise that in the form of marriage,” he said.

Rally organiser Tobi Harris said she was happy and a little surprised to see such a turnout at short notice.

“The idea is to make a stand, spread the word about the support for love and get the community involved,” Ms Harris said.

Ms Harris’s mother Vicki Harris said she was proud of her daughter for organising the rally.

“I believe that all love is equal and I’m such a proud mummy,” she said.